From Reykjavik: South Coast and Glacier Hiking Tour

Sólheimajökull is the star here: a living river of ice where your guide leads you past ridges, ice sculptures, and crevasses. I like that this is more than a photo stop. You actually step onto the glacier, learn how the ice behaves, and use proper glacier equipment.

I also like the two waterfall stops, especially Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the falling water, and Skógafoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful-looking cascades. The main drawback is the long day and the physical effort. You need good walking ability, warm waterproof clothing, and enough stamina for uneven ice.

Key points to know before you book

• A real glacier walk, not just a viewpoint: You spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on Sólheimajökull with a trained mountain guide.
• Three major nature stops: The day combines Sólheimajökull, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss.
• Equipment is provided: Ice-walking gear and safety equipment are included, but you must bring hiking boots and suitable clothing.
• Guides focus on safety: Previous departures have included guides such as Bart, Gary, and Tinna, with careful instruction on crampons and glacier walking.
• A full 10.5-hour outing: The bus leaves from Reykjavík’s BSI Bus Terminal, and hotel pickup is not included.
• Not for young children or casual walkers: Children aged 9 and younger cannot join, and the glacier section can leave inactive walkers with tired legs.

Why the glacier is the reason to choose this tour

Many South Coast outings let you look at glaciers from the road. This one takes you onto the ice. That difference matters.

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier from Mýrdalsjökull, Iceland’s fourth-largest glacier. It lies east of Eyjafjallajökull, the volcano that made international headlines in 2010. On the drive from Reykjavík, you pass beneath the broad volcanic region before reaching the glacier tongue.

The ice is not a flat white field. You may see blue-toned ice, sculpted walls, rough ridges, and openings in the surface. The guide explains how glaciers move and change, giving meaning to what you see under your feet. The glacier is also retreating, so this is a chance to see a landscape that is not fixed or permanent.

I especially like the scale of the experience. You are not attempting a technical climb, and ice climbing is not included. Instead, you learn basic glacier skills and walk through a striking section of the ice under supervision. That makes the outing suitable for many first-time glacier walkers, provided you are reasonably fit and comfortable walking for an extended period.

The Reykjavík departure and long South Coast ride

The main departure point is the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavík. You should be there 15 minutes before departure, since hotel pickup is not part of the package. For a city-center visitor, BSI is a practical meeting point, but you need to plan your own way there.

The drive to the glacier takes about two hours. That is a large part of the day, but it is not wasted time. The route takes you into South Iceland, past volcanic country and wide open scenery. The information provided does not promise a formal commentary program during the ride, but past outings have included drivers who explained the route and scheduled sensible restroom breaks.

Bring food and drinks with you. They are not included. One past departure had opportunities to buy food at a petrol station and later at a kiosk, but you should not build your whole meal plan around those stops. Carrying a sandwich, snacks, and a drink is the safer choice, especially because the glacier walk uses energy.

The bus journey also affects how you should judge the price. At $213 per person, this is not a cheap transfer with a quick photo stop. You are paying for a full-day excursion, glacier instruction, safety equipment, transport from Reykjavík, and access to three major South Coast sights. If you only want waterfalls, a less expensive sightseeing trip may suit you better. If stepping onto the ice is your main goal, the price is easier to justify.

Getting ready for Sólheimajökull

Before you walk on the glacier, the mountain guide provides the basic equipment and explains how to use it. Crampons, or ice grips, need to be fitted correctly to your boots. You also learn how to place your feet and move safely over uneven ice.

This instruction is one of the most useful parts of the outing. The glacier can look inviting, but it is not a place to wander without guidance. Ridges, slippery sections, and crevasses require care. Your guide controls the route and keeps the group together.

Past guides have included Bart, Gary, and Tinna. The strongest guide experiences have combined clear safety advice with explanations about glacier movement and ice formations. One guide even allowed a carefully supervised look into a deep crevasse using the proper safety equipment. That sort of moment can make the geology feel real, but it depends on the day’s conditions and the guide’s judgment.

You should arrive prepared. Bring:

• Warm layers
• Waterproof outerwear or rain gear
• Hiking boots
• Gloves and a hat
• Food and water

The operator supplies glacier-walking gear and safety equipment, but that does not mean ordinary shoes are enough. You still need sturdy hiking boots for the crampons. Seljalandsfoss can also soak you if you walk behind it, so a waterproof coat is not optional if you want the full experience.

Walking across a moving world of ice

The glacier walk lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. That sounds modest on paper, but the cold, uneven footing, and concentration required can make it feel like a proper hike.

Your guide leads you over the safer sections of the glacier and points out shapes formed by wind, water, and ice movement. Look for folds, blue pockets, sharp ridges, and sculpted surfaces. The appeal is not simply that the glacier is large. It is that the ice changes from one step to the next.

You should expect a guided walk rather than an athletic race. Previous groups have been paced to accommodate people who walk more slowly or feel less steady on slippery ground. That is helpful for first-timers. Still, you need to be in reasonable physical condition. One account of the outing described the hike as moderate and tiring for anyone who does not usually walk or who has joint pain.

The age rule is clear: children aged 9 and younger are not permitted. For older children and teenagers, the real question is stamina, not just age. Walking on ice while wearing crampons requires attention, and cold conditions can make a moderate hike feel harder.

Ice climbing is not included. If you want ropes, vertical ice, or technical climbing, this is the wrong product. If you want a controlled introduction to glacier walking, it is a better match.

Seljalandsfoss, where the path goes behind the water

After the glacier portion, the route includes Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall comes from the Seljalandsá River, which begins at Eyjafjallajökull.

The special feature is the path behind the falls. From that angle, the water drops in front of you while the surrounding countryside opens beyond it. It is one of Iceland’s most memorable waterfall viewpoints because you are not limited to the usual front-on photograph.

There is a catch: you can get wet. Bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket if you plan to walk behind the falls. The path can also feel slippery, so keep your footing in mind after the glacier walk.

Timing matters here, particularly in winter. A later departure can mean reaching the waterfalls with little daylight. One practical suggestion from an earlier outing was to start the day an hour sooner, leaving more light for the two waterfalls on winter afternoons. You cannot control the weather or daylight, but when comparing departure times, an earlier start may give you a better chance at both.

You should also keep your expectations sensible. This is a stop on a packed full-day route, not a long waterfall hike. You get time to see the falls and take photographs, but the exact time available depends on road and glacier conditions.

Skógafoss and the final burst of power

Skógafoss is the second waterfall stop. It has a broad curtain of water and a much more forceful feel than Seljalandsfoss. Mist hangs around the base, and the waterfall gives you the classic Iceland scene of water dropping from a high cliff into a rocky area below.

Skógafoss is also linked to the Fimmvörðuháls route, which crosses toward Þórsmörk. You will not be hiking that route on this tour, but the connection helps explain why the waterfall is part of Iceland’s wider walking culture. It has also appeared in films including Thor: The Dark World and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

The two falls work well together. Seljalandsfoss is about position and perspective, especially the walk behind the water. Skógafoss is about volume and force. After the focused, careful movement of the glacier hike, both stops give you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy scenery without special equipment.

Again, winter daylight can be a limitation. The waterfalls are still impressive in poor light, but photographs and distant views are usually stronger when the sky is bright. Weather can also change the feel of each stop, from clear and crisp to cold, wet, and windy.

How the guides affect the day

A glacier tour rises or falls on its guide. The ice is impressive, but the guide determines how safe, clear, and enjoyable the walk feels.

This experience has used guides praised for being patient, professional, and willing to answer questions. Bart was noted for choosing a safe route, helping with photographs, and explaining the glacier. Gary was paired with driver Tomek on another departure, with both providing useful explanations during the day. Tinna led a smaller group of about 10 people on one earlier outing.

Those details point to something worth checking when you book: ask who the glacier operator and guide will be for your date, if that information is available. Names can change, but a mountain guide with the right equipment and a calm teaching style matters more than a flashy presentation.

The guide also has to make judgment calls. The glacier route depends on weather and ice conditions. The walk can be changed or stopped if conditions are unsafe. That is a necessary part of glacier travel, not a fault in the experience.

The tour is conducted in English. If you want detailed explanations about glacial movement, safety, and the local terrain, English comprehension will help you get more from the day.

Group size, pace, and physical demands

The exact group size can vary, but one earlier departure had about 10 people, which is a comfortable number for a guided glacier walk. Smaller groups make it easier to hear instructions and stay close to the guide.

You should not book this as a gentle sightseeing ride with a few easy steps. The bus portion is relaxed, but the glacier section involves walking over irregular ice for up to two hours. People who hike often may find it manageable. People who rarely walk, have joint pain, or tire quickly may find it demanding.

The staff have adjusted their pace for slower walkers in the past, which is reassuring. Even so, you should be honest about your fitness before booking. You do not need ice-climbing experience, but you do need balance, endurance, and a willingness to follow instructions.

The tour does not offer hotel pickup. That small detail can affect your morning, especially if you are staying outside central Reykjavík. Plan to reach BSI early and bring everything you need for the full day.

Weather, daylight, and the value of flexibility

Icelandic weather can change quickly, and glacier operation depends on conditions on the ice. The operator may alter the plan if the glacier is unsafe. You should treat the schedule as a framework rather than a guarantee down to the minute.

Winter has a particular tradeoff. Snow and low light can make the South Coast feel stark and dramatic, but you may have less daylight at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Summer gives you more time for the waterfalls, while the glacier remains cold and serious even when Reykjavík feels mild.

The booking terms are useful for a weather-sensitive day. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some breathing room while arranging your Iceland plans. Still, weather can change after that point, so keep a little flexibility in your wider schedule.

Who should book this South Coast day?

You should book it if walking on a glacier is high on your Iceland list and you want to combine that activity with two famous waterfalls. It works particularly well for first-time glacier walkers who want instruction, equipment, and a guide rather than an independent outing.

It also suits you if you prefer one long organized day from Reykjavík instead of arranging transport, glacier gear, and separate visits yourself. The English-speaking guide and included safety equipment keep the planning simple.

Think twice if you dislike long bus rides, need a relaxed pace all day, or want a technical climbing experience. You should also reconsider if you have difficulty walking for up to two hours on uneven surfaces. A waterfall-only excursion would be easier, but it would not give you the same contact with the ice.

Should you book the $213 tour?

I would book this tour if Sólheimajökull is the priority. The glacier walk is the part that gives the day its purpose, while Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss make the long drive feel worthwhile.

The price is fair for a 10.5-hour outing that includes transport, a guided 1.5 to 2-hour glacier walk, ice-walking gear, and safety equipment. You still pay for food and make your own way to BSI, so budget for those small extras.

Choose an earlier departure if you are visiting in winter and want the best chance of seeing both waterfalls in daylight. Pack warm layers, rain gear, proper hiking boots, food, and water. If you do that, this can be one of the more active and memorable ways to see South Iceland without taking on a technical climb.

FAQ

Where does the tour leave from?

The main departure point is the BSI Bus Terminal in Reykjavík. You should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long does the full tour last?

The tour lasts 10.5 hours. The drive to the glacier takes about two hours, followed by the glacier walk and stops at Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

How long is the glacier walk?

The guided walk on Sólheimajökull lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is glacier equipment included?

Yes. Ice-walking gear and safety equipment are included. You must still bring suitable hiking boots, warm clothing, and rain gear.

Is ice climbing part of the activity?

No. Ice climbing is not included. The activity is a guided glacier walk with instruction in basic glacier equipment and safe walking.

Can children join the tour?

Children aged 9 and younger are not permitted. Older children must still be able to manage a moderate walk on uneven ice.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own supplies or use any available purchase stops during the day.